March 20, 2025 • 38 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to the Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle show on your
vocm Now, here's your hosts, Doctor Mike Wall.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to the show. I'm your host, Doctor Mike Wall.
Today we're diving into the world of sustainable farming and
greenhouse gardening here.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
On the Rock.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Now. It's a topic we've visited many times before, but
it deserves as much attention as it can get. That's
because it not only affects our food security and local
food production here at home, but also provides us with
healthy food. Joining us today are two special guests. First,
we have David Porter, the founder of Vinlin Acres Forest Farm,
a small scale but growing farm here in Saint John's
(00:45):
and Babels Now. David has a rich history farming and
recently took the leap to become a full time farmer.
He'll be sharing his journey, the challenges he faced and
starting his farm, and some tips for those looking to
grow their own food. Will also be joined by Kim Wilson,
co owner of Sunbelly Greenhouses. Kim and her husband Scott
started their business to help extend the growing season in Newfoundland.
(01:07):
Kim will talk about the advantages of using greenhouses, the
best crops to grow in our climate, and how they're
greenhouses have helped so many people start their own gardens.
We'll also explore the initial steps to starting farming, the
importance of using the right technology, and the benefits of
growing our own food. And lastly, we'll uncover some practical
tips and advice for hobby gardeners and those looking to
(01:29):
get started with a greenhouse. So stay tuned as we
dive into this important conversation. Hey Dave, welcome to the show.
Hey Mike, so glad you could joined me. For anybody
who's listening right now, I'm talking to Dave, but he's
actually at his farm outside preparations must be getting ready
to go for the season coming up. Dave, why do
(01:50):
you tell me a bit about yourself and where you
are right now?
Speaker 3 (01:54):
So my name is David Porter, and I'm the founder
of Vinland Bakers Forest Farm and we're a small scale
for now farm that's here in Saint John's, Newfoundland as
well as in Bay Bowls at two locations. I've been
farming out for about ten years in total, only the
last two really commercially.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Well, that's awesome, and I mean I think there's a
big need for it. I hope you can shed some
light on that today. But what inspired you to get
involved with farming. I've known you for a long time
and this is a little bit of a departure from
the David I might have known, like twenty years ago,
I thought, but you are definitely in that world now.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
I'd say we pick up better hobbies than we get older. Well,
you might not known about me is I grew up
in kilbrid and the Ghouls, of course, which are historically
very important farming areas, and as a kid grew up,
you know, my uncle had cows. A lot of my
other family members a generation or two ago were into farming,
(02:52):
whether it was for sustenance or commercial, so there was
always a hint of it there, but sort of moved
away and worked in marketing for years and to university.
But I find myself now coming all back to it.
I guess it kind of has to do with Newfland
being a very special place for food and supply chain
in general. We do love our food here, but it's
(03:13):
not always available in the variety and quantity that we'd like,
and there's a lot of reasons for that. So basically
that's what started to motivate me to I want to
learn how to grow my own food.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
So I mean, so you did have a bit of
a background, did it from your upbringing? But you have
now turned your farms multiple into some sizeable operations that
are growing every time we chat. Can you walk us
through the initial steps you took to get your farm
up and running.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
Yeah, So one of the biggest challenges is of course
access to land. So that's the number one thing that
I hear and of course experience myself. So what I
did and I was lucky enough to connect with, was
the folks here at O'Brien Farm Foundation. That's where I
am right now. This is Okuai gun Matsai Roads.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
It's very local.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
The city is literally right there, so it's close to
the major population center. So what they do is they offer,
you know, modest pieces of land that are still commercially
scalable and viable, and everyone sort of works together, where
in this case, there are seven farmers on this property
and we all share the large capital items like tractors
(04:24):
and that sort of thing, and knowledge and expertise, and
we have a greenhouse just up in the background that
you can't see through the fog, right now, but there's
a lot of really nice infrastructure up here that's provided
that you would normally not be able to have access
to you right away.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Yeah, there's got to be tons of challenges when you
first started. Is that one of the biggest challenges is
just getting that mass in motion, being able to get
access to that equipment, because obviously farming equipment or big
greenhouses like and land. This clear like, what are some
of the biggest challenges.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
Yeah, after access to land, of course, you know, it's
the access to the machines because of course it's it's
hard to operate on a commercial scale with just your
bare hands. And then it's just it's the knowledge. It's
the knowledge transfer of how to farm, but that's kind
of been lost really, So it's there's huge barriers to
start farming. I say it's a bit more of a
(05:16):
lifestyle than a then a hobby, because it takes years
and years to learn from others and to meet the
right people and to gain experience and learn what the
soil wants and what the plants want. So it's it's
a lifetime sort of sort of challenge.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Yeah, that's the difference. I'm a hobbyist talking to a
farmer and the reality is that my crofts don't grow.
That's okay, because I'll have to go buy some food.
But you're actually doing this to create a new business.
And when I think about this is only something I'm
sure you can experience once you get into it. How
is your vision sort of change for what you wanted
to do when you first started to where you are
right now.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
I think it's biggest thing is the sense of responsibility
that comes with it, because, like you say, when you
just got a few heads, let it and you've got
a couple of dollars in the backyard, that's one thing.
But when you've spent thousands of dollars on seed and
you're you know, you've got or tens or hundreds of
thousands of dollars small scales, so I mean the larger
operations are greater risk. And that's also one of the
big problems too, is risk management. It's not for the
(06:16):
faint of heart, and it's certainly gambling well.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
And also it's about how you do things, and I'm
sure learning has been a big part of it. If
you were to summarize the types of farming you do
between your two locations, what type of farming do you
do and is that typical for here in Newfoundland laborator So.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
We're focused on most of the root crops, cold hardy vegetables,
things that do well here, things that don't need a
lot of work and don't mind bad weather, which of
course we have, so focus on things that do well
have short growing seasons. I know there are a few
and far between, but like right now, we have leaks
in the ground, we have green onions, we have shallotts, onions, spinach, kale,
(06:54):
all these cold hardy things at our early season that
you wouldn't even be able to grow in the summer
here because it gets too warm and they both. So
it's about planning the right things at the right time
and going what what the nature wants.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Food sustainability in the history of farming and New Fland
of Labrador is a fascinating story of resilience and adaptation.
This region is known for its harsh climate and rocky terrain,
and it's always posed significant challenges for agriculture. Whoever, the
island's history is rich with examples of innovative approaches to
food production and sustainability. Historically, Newfland's agriculture was limited by
(07:29):
its geography. Early settlers relied heavily on fishing and hunting,
with farming playing a secondary role. The soils often rocky
and the growing seasons short, making it difficult to cultivate crops.
But despite these challenges, small scale farming and garden became
integral to survival. As I'm sure most of us know,
families grew root vegetables like potatoes, turnips, and carrots, which
(07:51):
could withstand the cool, damp climate and be stored for
long periods of time. Now in the nineteenth and early
twentieth century, farming communities like Kilbride and the RULs merged
around Saint John's, focusing on dairy farming, poultry and vegetable production,
and these files played a crucial role in providing fresh
produce and dairy to local markets. However, as Newfoland's economy grew,
(08:12):
it became increasingly reliant on the fishing industry and agriculture
took a back seat. By the mid twentieth century, there
were significant changes. Advances in transportation and refrigeration meant that
food could be imported more easily, leading to a decline
in local agriculture. However, this reliance on imported food made
the island vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, highlighting the importance
(08:35):
of food security and sustainability. In recent years, there's been
a resurgence of interest in local farming and food sustainability
here in New Flanta Labrador. There's a global movement towards
sustainable agriculture and it's found a strong foothold here, driven
by concerns over climate change, food security, and the desire
for fresh, locally produced food, and issues like communities supported agriculture,
(08:58):
farmers' markets and urban farming have gained popularity. Programs aimed
to educating people are the benefits of growing their own food.
It's supporting local farmers are also on to rise at
places like O'Brien Farms. Modern farmers in Newfland and Labrador
are also increasingly using innovative techniques to overcome traditional challenges.
Greenhouses and hydroponic systems extend the growing season and allow
(09:20):
for the production of a wider variety of crops. There's
also collaborations among farmers to share resources and knowledge, and
this has strengthened our local agricultural community. Food sustainability in
Newfoundland today is about more than just growing food. It's
about creating a resilient, self sufficient community. By blending traditional
practices with modern technology, Newfoundland and Labrador farmers are paving
(09:44):
the way for a sustainable agriculture future and ensure that
the lessons of the past help us build a more
secure and prosperous food system for generations to come. We
will be right back after the break.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
You're listening to what we broadcast. Well listen Healthy Lifestyle
Show with Doctor Mike Wall Listen live Thursday nights at
seven pm and Sunday's at four pm.
Speaker 2 (10:10):
Welcome back today, we're learning about growing our own vegetables
here in Newfland and Labrador. Let's get back to the episode. Yeah,
that's for sure. And I think the other thing is leveraging.
The luxury of technology has to be a big part
of it. Like you said, just do with your bare
heads back in the day when people have very rudimentary tools.
What kind of technology are you guys leveraging even on
operations your size.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Yeah, So people have a misconcession that farmers are techy,
or you know, we're stuck in our ways or something.
But all the farmers I know are extremely techy. Some
of the tools that we've been using lately, drones have
become a real asset, and imagine having a bird's eye
view on your field. It gives you different perspectives just
from land use planning to evaluating your crops and seeing
(10:54):
what's going on. You don't even need to have an
expensive drone. You can start with one of the lower
level one and go from there. We use multi spectraal
drones on our properties and that allows us to assess
plant health and standing water and all kinds of different
data points that allow us to make better form decisions
in the field, which of course leads to using less fertilizer,
(11:17):
less water, lower on your costs. So technology is a
huge factor. Even though you still like to have your
hands in the dirt, the modern tools really make a difference.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And that's another part of it, I guess is the
lifestyle that's associated with this is that you just said
it's a very physical type job, even with that technology.
I'm thinking from a health lens right here. How do
occupations like this or professions where you're working with your
body and you're working out in the land and you're
outside all the time, do you relate that to any
(11:48):
health benefits? Outside of the foods you're preparing, which are
obviously healthy.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
Well, I mean it's great exercise as long as you
don't overdo it and you approach it from u body
movement to approach where you're not doing the same thing.
Let's say, if I were to plow a field or
to use a whole. Now we have tractors to do
most of the heavy work, but for the manual labor,
don't do everything one side it switch sides. I don't build,
(12:13):
don't don't develop bad habits and repetitive motions that can
banjure you. Although that's uh, it's kind of powerful the course,
but finding efficiencies where you can and using tools are
really really the key. That's what speeds things up. Things
like planters, row covers, anything that can speed up or
take away labor from you.
Speaker 2 (12:33):
That's good. Yeah, you got a certain limit. It's like
break pads on a care only so many hours in
the day. Well that's true too. I was just asking,
you know, before we were organizing this interview, if you
had a tiller. But all you guys are the big one.
But I need a little one, and that's for my
little patch in the backyard, which I was going to
get to by the way, because I've got lots of
questions to you on that. But if you were to
walk me through your typical day here now, I mean,
you're obviously really busy. What does your day look like?
(12:55):
When does it start, when does it end, what's in between?
Speaker 3 (12:59):
Basically, you get up when the sun goes up. You
don't take advantage of all the day that you can,
and older I get there earlier. I keep waking up anyway,
so it's kind of works out. But it gets up,
and you know, you're got to check the weather. I
don't have animals right now, so that's a whole nother
world that I'm sure that I'll get it too eventually.
But you basically get up, plan your day, make sure
(13:21):
you have all your materials, and then just get at it.
There's a never ending list of things to do, whether
it's sticking new rows, planting seedlings, lugg and hay like
you see here behind me, setting up greenhouses. It really
is an all encompassing activity where you have to use
skills and carpentry, you know, electrical if you're growing things inside, fans, ventilation.
(13:45):
There's a lot of that kind of stuff going on.
In the greenhouse up behind me. You've got to have
a good plan. Planning is very important, but just getting
at it is even you know, that's the hard part
is when it's six am, you're laid and tired. You
want to say it a bit, or like right now it's
almost eight o'clock in the evening and it's raining. But
if I want to have things coming up from the
ground in a few weeks time, then I've got to
(14:08):
be at it.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Yeah, that's very true. And you know that's one of
the things that when you're doing a small farmer you
can do things the way you want and how does
things like sustainability or eco friendliness play a part and
the operations that you have.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
So I guess my concept, my theory, my approach you
at all is you can't take out of it more
than you put in. So that goes with soil and
vegetables too. You got to feed the soil and build
healthy soil. I joke that I almost like I like
growing soil as much as I like growing vegetables. You know,
you can't eat the soil with the plants. In a way,
(14:45):
eat the soil and you eat the plants. So you
take care of one and the other one takes care
of it. So yeah, it's all about creating systems within
the farm so they don't rely for external inputs so much.
Obviously you're not an island and you exists in context
for everything else around you. But if you can use
soil amendments that are local or naturally sourced that you
(15:06):
don't have to ship from the other side of the world,
then that's that's a wind for local agriculture and or.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
Local spot is it ever? And I guess that's the
whole point, is that in newfoundlanda Labrador where we do
have this RDF weather for a good chunk of the year,
and we do have this hot summer where things can,
like you said, grow quickly or bolt and not do
well in the sun. It's such extremes. What are you
focusing on right now? You mentioned a few of the
things you've got in the ground. Is it too early
(15:33):
for people to start planting some stuff or what should
people be looking at if they're even looking for their
own foods?
Speaker 3 (15:37):
So what's your risk tolerance? I would say, yeah, yeah,
you might be the first one with carrots color out
of the ground, where you also might have nothing form
rely for us. Yeah, so it's all about hedging your beds.
Season extension is a big part of that, using things
like greenhouse covers. I use a lot of hay, which
is what this is for. After my seeds are sawing,
(15:58):
I cast it out on the field and it's it
kind of keeps the frost up of everything and creates
a little insulated environment to get a head start and
to edge your bets against the frost.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
So that is an interesting thing at this time of year.
Though there's a saying that you don't plant until after
Father's Day, but that's still a month away for a
lot of you know what he really does? Okay, well
that's good to know. When you look at your farm,
you say, farms now multiple and I know that this
has been growing. What's the plan, like, what's the goal
(16:30):
for you here and what role do you play in
like the bigger picture?
Speaker 3 (16:34):
So the role here right now, and especially having the
two different properties is one is very small, but it's
got a lot of resources at it's a very good
community already build here, and it's close to the major
population center and it's very convenient to comebine and check on.
It takes me you know, ten minutes to drive here
from my house. The other property is much larger, in
(16:56):
the order of twenty eight years or so, which is,
you know, a little bit big, and so that's a
new property. So everything's in different stages. And of course
farming is not for someone who makes a media gratification
because it takes many, many years to play it out
and see your ideas come to fruition. So the short
term plan is to get things in the ground here
close to the market, and to build our brand and
(17:18):
get established and to build experience and make mistakes with
very short term plans in the next year or two
to move out to the larger property and then perhaps
after a few more years beyond that eat. So I'd
like to create a sustainable farming model that makes a
considerable difference to food security here at Newfoiland and Labrador.
(17:40):
That's really what my goal is. It's all about grown food.
I really think that just something. I think that you
can do a lot with a full belly, and not
enough people have them right now. There's a lot of
people finding things very expensive with the price of goods,
and I think we need to get back to the
basic slan learn how to feed each other again.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
So let's get philosophically for a second on that, because
that's something I'm really passionate about too. Food security, in
particular with foods that are healthy for us, are really
hard to come by. We happen to have some of
the lowest number of farms per square kilometer of any
province in the country. Do you think there's potential here
to really build up the farming.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
There is so much potential here. People don't even realize
once you get past the rocks, which are everywhere. Don't worry,
you'll be picking rocks for the rest.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Of your life.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
But we have it. I'm no geologists, but I'm sure
others will agree. We have some very very good pockets soil.
We're known as the rock. So, yeah, there's bed rock everywhere,
but in amongst there and some very good soil surveys
that are available, but their pockets are really really good
top soil here, and that's that's one of the ones
that I'm working waste down.
Speaker 2 (18:49):
On the southern Shore's.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
I mean, in some spots there's feet and feet of
top soil and then next to it's bed rock. But
if you can find the good stuff, you may not
have rolling hills of acre and acres like in Saskatchewan
and prairies, but let me tell you, in the quality
of the soil and the mineral miles and the soil,
combined with our proximity to the bounty of the ocean
and the way of seaweed and fish products and buy products,
(19:14):
you don't need a lot of soil. You can build
your soil.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
There's so much potential here. Yeah, today we're learning about
growing our own vegetables. Here a new plant of Labrador.
We'll be right back after the break. Every Saturday is
perfect through a night at the Cabin. The Cabin Party
with Brian O'Connell Saturday nights starting at seven pm on VOCM.
(19:37):
Welcome back today, we're learning about growing our own vegetables.
Here a new Flanta Labrador. Let's get back to the episode.
I think that one of the ways that people get
behind an idea and geby aam movement that is to
get more local food production on the go is to
experience it themselves. And I I had messed around maybe
a little bit with like maybe plants in my gardens
(19:59):
in front of the house, but I never got into
the food side of things, and last year I did
and I really really really love it. Let's take this
opportunity for our listeners to pick your brain about what
you could help us with when it comes to some advice.
So what's your advice when it comes to people that
are contemplating starting a small little food garden at their
(20:20):
house or in their community.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
So I would say, don't try and do too much
at once, start small and find your meeting winds at first,
and don't be sad when you kill a few plants,
because it to grow a lot of healthy plants, you
need to kill even.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
More on healthy once.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
Unfortunately it's a cruel gay en firment, but it's definitely
important to try everything and fail fast. I would say,
start thinking about where your food comes from and what
you do with it after your doubles. And what I
(21:01):
mean by that is it's just as important to buy
from people who are growing food as it is to
grow food yourself. So maybe you know you're thinking about
putting in the garden or something, and that's that's great.
I'd encourage to do. But I'd also encourage you to
go down to your locals farmer market and and and
and participate in that system the people who are also
(21:22):
growing food themselves and commercial st So don't feel that
if you kill a bunch of plants and don't succeed
the first year, because it's taken me forever and I've
killed tens of thousands.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
Of plants, that's right. When I kill half my plants
this year, I'll just come get some produce from you,
and I know it'll be good at that point.
Speaker 3 (21:38):
But it always got back up. I always back on
back up because I always, you know, leave the heater
on or leave the door open, and something goes every year.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when
they first start growing their own vegetables.
Speaker 3 (21:55):
Getting caught up in I'll call them gardening gimmicks. You know,
people's spend a lot of money on cheap plastic items
that will last year, and it doesn't really serve them well,
you know, plant stone mines, cardboard boxes and old logs
and old boards. You know, obviously you don't want to
(22:15):
use pressure treated or you want to keep your you know,
you wouldn't want to use anything you don't want to
eat from, but really trying to save costs where you
can by using things that are around palets are a
big one that very popular for building compost bins and
garden beds and that sort of thing. There's lots of
ways to sort of get started without breaking the bank, which,
of course, cost and the initial investment to get into
(22:38):
this thing is definitely a big barrier.
Speaker 2 (22:40):
Yeah, it is. It is. It's funny because I took
some trees that fell in my backyard and I took
them to a mill and got them planed into some
wood that I used to make mine try to be
a little bit sustainable, and that was really rewarding as well.
Now somebody is looking at major resources, or at least
like the necessities for even a hobby gardener. What are
the things that somebody should invest in. They don't invest
(23:01):
in the gimmicks, but what are a couple of things
that they should invest in if they're going to go
down this road.
Speaker 3 (23:05):
A good pair of globes will yeah, don't do like
I do. I uh yeah, A good pair of globes,
comfortable folk. Were things that are going to allow you
to operate when the weather is not good and you
want to be out in the guard. I always say,
there's no such things bad weather. It's just bad equipment right,
all heard that I couldn't agree with that more.
Speaker 2 (23:28):
Yes. And the other thing is that you just said
about the climate. Okay, so and you've also mentioned several
times about soil. How important is it for be able
to understand the soil they're working with, Like, for example,
if I get chrummy soil, what good intentions is that
going to help me?
Speaker 3 (23:43):
Well, you got to know what you're working with always.
I should have mentioned this earlier. One of the first
things you do with soil tests pre season. Everyone thinks
it starts in the spring. With the planning starts early
in the winter. I'm usually around Christmas time, a little
bit after you know, you order your seeds, you do
that sort of saying, and do your garden plan. A
couple of things on garden planning and some technologies that
(24:06):
are really available and useful. Google Maps is one. If
you don't have a drone I mean to say, I
was talking about the drones, is you can get a
bird's eye view of your property and things like Canada
like three drawing programs. As far as doing up your
field plans. You can just take your screenshots from Google
Maps and then you can draw over in Canada and
next thing, you have.
Speaker 2 (24:24):
A field plan.
Speaker 3 (24:25):
It's no big deal.
Speaker 2 (24:27):
That's cool. I love that and I think that's all
part of it, and that's part of the fun. Part
of it is creating something and thinking it and then
seeing it come to fruition. The health side of things,
the foods that you get out of the garden themselves.
What do they offer you as a farmer when you
take your harvest and you're able to eat that food
for the first time. Is it just the health benefits
because it's good fresh food? Are there other things that
(24:49):
come with it?
Speaker 3 (24:51):
It's definitely a sense of accomplishment when you plans only.
I grow almost all my vegetables from seap So it's
definitely a rewarding thing to grow it and to enjoy
it yourself. But as with many things, it's it's even
better to share with other people and to you know,
see a look on someone's face when they probably just
had the best tasting tomato that they've ever had, and
(25:12):
like it doesn't even taste like you know what I mean,
Like it's just you. You can't compare it. You just
have to experience it and knowing what you're eating come
straight from the ground, knowing what's been applied to it
or what's been growing in the soil before or Yeah,
it's just a really nice sense of accomplishment and it's
very enjoyable.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Perfect perfect. Well, I guess the last thing I would
say is we're going into the going season people listening here,
obviously it's great to hear about operations like yours that
are starting to bring more and more food. What's your
last bit of advice to anybody listening that might be
going down that road this year when it comes to
a gardening and trying to grow their own vegetables.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Well, the best time to get started was last year.
So besides that, gets started right now if you're thinking
about doing it. It's not going to be the one
big farm that comes in and creates food security for
us all. It's going to be a bunch of really
small farmers all working together. So get started because we
need more.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
If people want to follow your adventures, because it's a
great operation you've got and it's been growing exponentially every
single time I turn on social media, can you tell
folks how they can follow your farm?
Speaker 3 (26:20):
Yeah, so you can find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Our tags at Vinland Acres, so it should be pretty
easy to find. And it looks like the farm page
green and brown colors. It's pretty proud of it. And
like you said, you have to learn how to do
everything on farm, so out of my design work along
with some modern business tools. So I'll be tuned in
(26:42):
and check out our content. I'm often out here in
the field. I try and remember to do videos, but
we want to be doing more how tos and just
share knowledge and information because that's really what it's all about.
Speaker 2 (26:53):
And that's why I'm so glad you could join us today, Dave.
I know you're flat out. That's the busiest time of
year probably in a lot of ways for you. But
thanks for being so generous with your time and sharing
your message and your advice with everybody listening today.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
Oh thanks, Mike, anytime, and we'll have to check back again.
There's a lot more going at the O'Brian Farm Foundation
and Bendland Baker's, so we'll have to check out again
later in a year.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
If you're looking to start gardening, you grow your own
food in Newfoland for the first time, then timing and
preparation are key. Here are some essential tips you need
to know to get started. First, we got to know
our frost dates. The growing season in Newfoundland is short,
so it's crucially you know the last frost date of
the spring. Usually it's early June and our first frost
dates around mid September. This helps us when we start
(27:37):
our planning. Now you have to start indoors. Begin seeds
around six to eight weeks before that last frost date.
Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs can get a head
start this way, and you can use seed trays and
place them at a sunny spot or use grow lights.
It's always good to choose hardy crops. Focus on cold,
hardy vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures like kale and spinach,
(28:00):
carrots and potatoes. These crops can handle the unpredictable neufland
labor or weather. Use raised beds. Raised beds warm up
faster in the spring and provide better drainage. You can
fill them with quality soil and composts to give the
plants to nutrients they need. You can extend the season
with covers. You can use row covers small greenhouses to
(28:20):
protect your plants from late spring to the early fall. Frost.
These can extend your growing season by several weeks, if
not longer. Always be sure to water wisely water your
garden in the early morning and late evening to reduce
evaporation and ensure your plants get about one to one
and a half inches of water per week. And one
of the most important things that I can attest to
(28:41):
is to join local gardening groups. This way you can
engage with local gardening communities for advice and support, and
no matter what, you can always go to the farmer's
market to make sure you get fresh produce even if
yours doesn't work out. Remember, starting small, staying patient, and
learning as you go will make your gardening experience in
Newlynn rewarding and successful. We'll be right back after the break.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
Nutrition, exercise, keeping the cold at bay, whatever keeps you
feeling great The Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle show on your VOCM.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Welcome back today. We're learning about growing our own vegetables
here in New Flann and Labrador. Let's get back to
the episode. Hi kid, welcome to the show.
Speaker 4 (29:25):
Thank you, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
I'm glad you could join us today. This is interesting topic.
This is the topic that I'm learning about more and
more all the time, and that is being able to
grow some sustainable food and be able to grow my
own vegetables. And who better to talk to you about
how to extend that growing season than you guys. Can
you tell our audience a little bit about yourself and
about your company? Sure.
Speaker 4 (29:47):
I'm Kim Wilson. I'm co owner with my husband, Scott
Wilson of some Valley greenhouses.
Speaker 3 (29:52):
I guess we.
Speaker 4 (29:53):
Started this business twenty sixteen seventeen. Seems like people are
really trying to get back into growing their own, especially
here in Newfouland where the growing season is a little
bit shorter and harder to get things. So the business
kind of kind of took off and here we are.
Speaker 2 (30:09):
Yeah, that's right, you guys. Not only you started here
at New Flanta Laborator, where you guys are expanding your
reach across the country. Correct, Yeah, we have.
Speaker 4 (30:17):
We were right across Atlantic Canada and fairly recently just
into Ontario.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
That's fantastic. Well, we left because I was getting into
gardening myself and I wanted the advantage of having a greenhouse,
so I contacted you guys, and you've been a great
resource for me along long so I thought, hey, why
not share that information with everybody today? So I guess
we're going to ask the simplest question is we have
the short of growing season here. What's the advantage of
having a greenhouse in new plant laborator?
Speaker 4 (30:47):
I guess, I guess just in general, it's a safe
haven for plants. Like you said, it does extend.
Speaker 2 (30:54):
Our growing season.
Speaker 4 (30:55):
As you can tell, like we don't get much of
the spring, so it gives people the opportunity to kind
of get things started a little bit earlier. And I find,
I guess personally, in our own greenhouse sometimes we can
go right into November, depending on frost and things like that.
The greenhouse itself reduces the accessibility for insects and animals
(31:16):
to get in there and destroy your plants. And of
course our greenhouses are made out of cedar, which has
a natural bug repellent in it, and it certainly extends
our growing season here in Newfoundland. We do get lots
of customers, especially where our spring is not so great.
They're kind of using it as a little bit of
a greenhouse, sort of sun room. We using them for
(31:39):
all kinds of things, so a little bit of a
kind of a dual purpose. I guess you could say too.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
Yeah, well that's right. And I guess the question would
be like, why does the greenhouse make it so much
more effective here? Why can't we just have this longer
season as long as the sun is shining. Is it
do with the heat, is it to do with the watering,
is to do with the what is it the protection
from the frost? I think, yeah, a little bit of
all that.
Speaker 4 (32:03):
It's protection from the frost. And we actually use product
Donners which is called tough Tech polycarbonate, and this gives
a really good distribution of light into the greenhouse and
it also blocks the ub rays where the polycarbon is corrugated.
Like I said, the cedar is a natural bug repellent.
Our greenhouse is in the summer when it does get
(32:25):
a little bit hotter out there. Of course they're not
completely air tight, so which is which is great for ventilation.
They have windows in the back that open. You can
get a dutch door that you know, you can get
the top half to open if you don't want rabbits
little creditors getting in there. Our bigger models can have
extra windows on the side. We have a bigger model,
so we actually installed automatic window openers, so those you
(32:49):
know open and clothes according to how hot it gets
in there, and it just just kind of extends that
growing season for everybody, and especially with the part you know,
the prices of you know, fruits and vegetables today, just
having being able to grow your own, yeah, is a
(33:10):
great thing and.
Speaker 2 (33:11):
For your friends and family too, which is interesting. So
I guess that's what I want to pick your brain on. Like,
not everybody might have a full, big greenhouse, but they
do have the opportunity to be able to protect things
and get the growing season going earlier. What are the
things that if you were going to pick some specific
crops that go really well in shelters that allow more
like to get in and a little bit more heat
(33:32):
to be retained. What are the ones that thrive really
well here at New Flant with a greenhouse.
Speaker 4 (33:37):
Yeah, from our guess, from just our own personal experience,
and of course we're not experts in this field. I
guess more of our field is actually building the greenhouses.
But we've experimented with a lot of different things ourselves
over the years. We personally find like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini.
We've tried broccoli and cauliflour onions, garlic. We actually have
(33:59):
this is our second greenhouse after moving houses, and we
had a great We've got a great fund in this
one and we did in the last one, and that
actually grows really really well in hours. We've installed rain
gutters going down right down the side, like up above
the beds, and we've got strawberries in there too, and yeah,
just to kind of save a little bit of space
(34:21):
up above and you know, have a little bit of
extra growing room. So that's actually worked really well too.
Speaker 2 (34:27):
That's a great idea. Yeah, And I guess the other
question would be that we're all getting eager. If you're
a gardener, you kind of get excited this time of year.
You want to get the crops into the ground, you
want to get that growing season started. We can be
a little bit hesitant. When can people start to put
their plants in the greenhouse? In your experience, so these
people you work.
Speaker 5 (34:42):
With, most of our customers normally, so some have started
in merch, some have some sort of a heating system
put in theirs.
Speaker 4 (34:52):
Not everybody, but for sure into April May, we're always
a little bit behind ourselves. I don't have anything in
there myself, just we get so busy with instyles this
time of the year. But I'd say it round April
most people. Some people start inside and then April May
they start moving things things outside. And I even find
(35:14):
when I pick up hanging baskets and different things like
that just for my own property by hangos in there
at night. Also you know, if we know we're getting
frost and they're certainly protected from that also, So I
use it for.
Speaker 3 (35:29):
A little bit of everything.
Speaker 2 (35:31):
So what's your advice to people when it comes to gardening?
That was like picking people's brains. You see lots of
people that are like me that have just begun and
you've got other people that are probably a lot more
serious about it. What's your advice to people when it
comes to taking up the gablet of trying to grow
their own food.
Speaker 4 (35:47):
I think trying different things, Like we've tried lots of
different things over the years, and some things work a
little bit better here in Newfoundland, and just experimenting with
different things and you kind of know on what works
a little bit better and and what doesn't. But like
I said, we've we've had really good experience with tomatoes
(36:09):
and peppers, especially the zucchini in cucumbers. A number of
years I had them growing in the greenhouse well into
November some years even in the December, depending on the
outdoor temperatures. And we've had some really good experience with it,
and in retirement from a real job, I hope to
get into it a little bit more.
Speaker 2 (36:31):
That's right, we could share a secrets. The nice thing
is you get a chance to be part of everybody
else's success. And that's the thing is, somebody is looking
to get a greenhouse, how do they get a old
of you guys.
Speaker 4 (36:41):
We have a website which is some Valley Greenhouse dot Ca.
We also have a Facebook page, Instagram page, and all
of our other locations have Facebook pages and Instagram pages.
But all the information contact information is there on our
website to get a hold of us. And this time
(37:02):
of year we're pretty much open all the time.
Speaker 2 (37:05):
Yeah, well, I'm sure you are. Well, that's great. Well,
I'll be sure to send along my progress picks as
our garden comes along this summer.
Speaker 4 (37:12):
And well that we actually have a we'll probably be
doing that coming up soon. We usually have a contest,
bring contests and a fall contest and people submit pictures
just so we can see what the different things that
people are growing and kind of gives other customers an
idea of what works.
Speaker 3 (37:30):
Well.
Speaker 2 (37:31):
That's great, and that's what this is all about, is
both sharing information. So I really appreciate you sharing your
knowledge with us today and good luck with your garden
this summer. And I'm sure my greenhouse is going to
work out great. So thanks so much for joining me perfect.
Speaker 3 (37:43):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (37:43):
We look forward to seeing your pictures.
Speaker 2 (37:47):
I wanted to thank David and Kim for joining us today.
It's been a really great conversation about how sustainable farming
and greenhouse gardening and newflanda laborador is really taking off.
We've gained valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of
starting a farm, the importance of using technology and agriculture,
and how greenhouses can extend our growing season. David shared
(38:07):
his journey from marketing professional to a full time farmer
and the practical steps he took to get started with
his new farm. Kim provided expert advice on the benefits
of greenhouses and the best crops to grow for our climate. Now,
for those interested in learning more about sustainable farming. You
could follow Dave Porter at vinln Acres Forest Farm through
their Facebook and Instagram page, and if you're looking to
(38:29):
extend your growing season with a greenhouse, and Kim Wilson
at Sun Valley Greenhouses could point you in the right direction.
They're also available on all social channels. Thanks for tuning in,
I'm your host, doctor Mike Wall. We'll see you back
here next week for another episode of The Wall Show
on your VOCM
Welcome to the Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle show on your
vocm Now, here's your hosts, Doctor Mike Wall.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to the show. I'm your host, Doctor Mike Wall.
Today we're diving into the world of sustainable farming and
greenhouse gardening here.
Speaker 3 (00:21):
On the Rock.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Now. It's a topic we've visited many times before, but
it deserves as much attention as it can get. That's
because it not only affects our food security and local
food production here at home, but also provides us with
healthy food. Joining us today are two special guests. First,
we have David Porter, the founder of Vinlin Acres Forest Farm,
a small scale but growing farm here in Saint John's
(00:45):
and Babels Now. David has a rich history farming and
recently took the leap to become a full time farmer.
He'll be sharing his journey, the challenges he faced and
starting his farm, and some tips for those looking to
grow their own food. Will also be joined by Kim Wilson,
co owner of Sunbelly Greenhouses. Kim and her husband Scott
started their business to help extend the growing season in Newfoundland.
(01:07):
Kim will talk about the advantages of using greenhouses, the
best crops to grow in our climate, and how they're
greenhouses have helped so many people start their own gardens.
We'll also explore the initial steps to starting farming, the
importance of using the right technology, and the benefits of
growing our own food. And lastly, we'll uncover some practical
tips and advice for hobby gardeners and those looking to
(01:29):
get started with a greenhouse. So stay tuned as we
dive into this important conversation. Hey Dave, welcome to the show.
Hey Mike, so glad you could joined me. For anybody
who's listening right now, I'm talking to Dave, but he's
actually at his farm outside preparations must be getting ready
to go for the season coming up. Dave, why do
(01:50):
you tell me a bit about yourself and where you
are right now?
Speaker 3 (01:54):
So my name is David Porter, and I'm the founder
of Vinland Bakers Forest Farm and we're a small scale
for now farm that's here in Saint John's, Newfoundland as
well as in Bay Bowls at two locations. I've been
farming out for about ten years in total, only the
last two really commercially.
Speaker 2 (02:13):
Well, that's awesome, and I mean I think there's a
big need for it. I hope you can shed some
light on that today. But what inspired you to get
involved with farming. I've known you for a long time
and this is a little bit of a departure from
the David I might have known, like twenty years ago,
I thought, but you are definitely in that world now.
Speaker 3 (02:31):
I'd say we pick up better hobbies than we get older. Well,
you might not known about me is I grew up
in kilbrid and the Ghouls, of course, which are historically
very important farming areas, and as a kid grew up,
you know, my uncle had cows. A lot of my
other family members a generation or two ago were into farming,
(02:52):
whether it was for sustenance or commercial, so there was
always a hint of it there, but sort of moved
away and worked in marketing for years and to university.
But I find myself now coming all back to it.
I guess it kind of has to do with Newfland
being a very special place for food and supply chain
in general. We do love our food here, but it's
(03:13):
not always available in the variety and quantity that we'd like,
and there's a lot of reasons for that. So basically
that's what started to motivate me to I want to
learn how to grow my own food.
Speaker 2 (03:24):
So I mean, so you did have a bit of
a background, did it from your upbringing? But you have
now turned your farms multiple into some sizeable operations that
are growing every time we chat. Can you walk us
through the initial steps you took to get your farm
up and running.
Speaker 3 (03:41):
Yeah, So one of the biggest challenges is of course
access to land. So that's the number one thing that
I hear and of course experience myself. So what I
did and I was lucky enough to connect with, was
the folks here at O'Brien Farm Foundation. That's where I
am right now. This is Okuai gun Matsai Roads.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
It's very local.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
The city is literally right there, so it's close to
the major population center. So what they do is they offer,
you know, modest pieces of land that are still commercially
scalable and viable, and everyone sort of works together, where
in this case, there are seven farmers on this property
and we all share the large capital items like tractors
(04:24):
and that sort of thing, and knowledge and expertise, and
we have a greenhouse just up in the background that
you can't see through the fog, right now, but there's
a lot of really nice infrastructure up here that's provided
that you would normally not be able to have access
to you right away.
Speaker 2 (04:38):
Yeah, there's got to be tons of challenges when you
first started. Is that one of the biggest challenges is
just getting that mass in motion, being able to get
access to that equipment, because obviously farming equipment or big
greenhouses like and land. This clear like, what are some
of the biggest challenges.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
Yeah, after access to land, of course, you know, it's
the access to the machines because of course it's it's
hard to operate on a commercial scale with just your
bare hands. And then it's just it's the knowledge. It's
the knowledge transfer of how to farm, but that's kind
of been lost really, So it's there's huge barriers to
start farming. I say it's a bit more of a
(05:16):
lifestyle than a then a hobby, because it takes years
and years to learn from others and to meet the
right people and to gain experience and learn what the
soil wants and what the plants want. So it's it's
a lifetime sort of sort of challenge.
Speaker 2 (05:31):
Yeah, that's the difference. I'm a hobbyist talking to a
farmer and the reality is that my crofts don't grow.
That's okay, because I'll have to go buy some food.
But you're actually doing this to create a new business.
And when I think about this is only something I'm
sure you can experience once you get into it. How
is your vision sort of change for what you wanted
to do when you first started to where you are
right now.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
I think it's biggest thing is the sense of responsibility
that comes with it, because, like you say, when you
just got a few heads, let it and you've got
a couple of dollars in the backyard, that's one thing.
But when you've spent thousands of dollars on seed and
you're you know, you've got or tens or hundreds of
thousands of dollars small scales, so I mean the larger
operations are greater risk. And that's also one of the
big problems too, is risk management. It's not for the
(06:16):
faint of heart, and it's certainly gambling well.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
And also it's about how you do things, and I'm
sure learning has been a big part of it. If
you were to summarize the types of farming you do
between your two locations, what type of farming do you
do and is that typical for here in Newfoundland laborator So.
Speaker 3 (06:32):
We're focused on most of the root crops, cold hardy vegetables,
things that do well here, things that don't need a
lot of work and don't mind bad weather, which of
course we have, so focus on things that do well
have short growing seasons. I know there are a few
and far between, but like right now, we have leaks
in the ground, we have green onions, we have shallotts, onions, spinach, kale,
(06:54):
all these cold hardy things at our early season that
you wouldn't even be able to grow in the summer
here because it gets too warm and they both. So
it's about planning the right things at the right time
and going what what the nature wants.
Speaker 2 (07:07):
Food sustainability in the history of farming and New Fland
of Labrador is a fascinating story of resilience and adaptation.
This region is known for its harsh climate and rocky terrain,
and it's always posed significant challenges for agriculture. Whoever, the
island's history is rich with examples of innovative approaches to
food production and sustainability. Historically, Newfland's agriculture was limited by
(07:29):
its geography. Early settlers relied heavily on fishing and hunting,
with farming playing a secondary role. The soils often rocky
and the growing seasons short, making it difficult to cultivate crops.
But despite these challenges, small scale farming and garden became
integral to survival. As I'm sure most of us know,
families grew root vegetables like potatoes, turnips, and carrots, which
(07:51):
could withstand the cool, damp climate and be stored for
long periods of time. Now in the nineteenth and early
twentieth century, farming communities like Kilbride and the RULs merged
around Saint John's, focusing on dairy farming, poultry and vegetable production,
and these files played a crucial role in providing fresh
produce and dairy to local markets. However, as Newfoland's economy grew,
(08:12):
it became increasingly reliant on the fishing industry and agriculture
took a back seat. By the mid twentieth century, there
were significant changes. Advances in transportation and refrigeration meant that
food could be imported more easily, leading to a decline
in local agriculture. However, this reliance on imported food made
the island vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, highlighting the importance
(08:35):
of food security and sustainability. In recent years, there's been
a resurgence of interest in local farming and food sustainability
here in New Flanta Labrador. There's a global movement towards
sustainable agriculture and it's found a strong foothold here, driven
by concerns over climate change, food security, and the desire
for fresh, locally produced food, and issues like communities supported agriculture,
(08:58):
farmers' markets and urban farming have gained popularity. Programs aimed
to educating people are the benefits of growing their own food.
It's supporting local farmers are also on to rise at
places like O'Brien Farms. Modern farmers in Newfland and Labrador
are also increasingly using innovative techniques to overcome traditional challenges.
Greenhouses and hydroponic systems extend the growing season and allow
(09:20):
for the production of a wider variety of crops. There's
also collaborations among farmers to share resources and knowledge, and
this has strengthened our local agricultural community. Food sustainability in
Newfoundland today is about more than just growing food. It's
about creating a resilient, self sufficient community. By blending traditional
practices with modern technology, Newfoundland and Labrador farmers are paving
(09:44):
the way for a sustainable agriculture future and ensure that
the lessons of the past help us build a more
secure and prosperous food system for generations to come. We
will be right back after the break.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
You're listening to what we broadcast. Well listen Healthy Lifestyle
Show with Doctor Mike Wall Listen live Thursday nights at
seven pm and Sunday's at four pm.
Speaker 2 (10:10):
Welcome back today, we're learning about growing our own vegetables
here in Newfland and Labrador. Let's get back to the episode. Yeah,
that's for sure. And I think the other thing is leveraging.
The luxury of technology has to be a big part
of it. Like you said, just do with your bare
heads back in the day when people have very rudimentary tools.
What kind of technology are you guys leveraging even on
operations your size.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Yeah, So people have a misconcession that farmers are techy,
or you know, we're stuck in our ways or something.
But all the farmers I know are extremely techy. Some
of the tools that we've been using lately, drones have
become a real asset, and imagine having a bird's eye
view on your field. It gives you different perspectives just
from land use planning to evaluating your crops and seeing
(10:54):
what's going on. You don't even need to have an
expensive drone. You can start with one of the lower
level one and go from there. We use multi spectraal
drones on our properties and that allows us to assess
plant health and standing water and all kinds of different
data points that allow us to make better form decisions
in the field, which of course leads to using less fertilizer,
(11:17):
less water, lower on your costs. So technology is a
huge factor. Even though you still like to have your
hands in the dirt, the modern tools really make a difference.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And that's another part of it, I guess is the
lifestyle that's associated with this is that you just said
it's a very physical type job, even with that technology.
I'm thinking from a health lens right here. How do
occupations like this or professions where you're working with your
body and you're working out in the land and you're
outside all the time, do you relate that to any
(11:48):
health benefits? Outside of the foods you're preparing, which are
obviously healthy.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
Well, I mean it's great exercise as long as you
don't overdo it and you approach it from u body
movement to approach where you're not doing the same thing.
Let's say, if I were to plow a field or
to use a whole. Now we have tractors to do
most of the heavy work, but for the manual labor,
don't do everything one side it switch sides. I don't build,
(12:13):
don't don't develop bad habits and repetitive motions that can
banjure you. Although that's uh, it's kind of powerful the course,
but finding efficiencies where you can and using tools are
really really the key. That's what speeds things up. Things
like planters, row covers, anything that can speed up or
take away labor from you.
Speaker 2 (12:33):
That's good. Yeah, you got a certain limit. It's like
break pads on a care only so many hours in
the day. Well that's true too. I was just asking,
you know, before we were organizing this interview, if you
had a tiller. But all you guys are the big one.
But I need a little one, and that's for my
little patch in the backyard, which I was going to
get to by the way, because I've got lots of
questions to you on that. But if you were to
walk me through your typical day here now, I mean,
you're obviously really busy. What does your day look like?
(12:55):
When does it start, when does it end, what's in between?
Speaker 3 (12:59):
Basically, you get up when the sun goes up. You
don't take advantage of all the day that you can,
and older I get there earlier. I keep waking up anyway,
so it's kind of works out. But it gets up,
and you know, you're got to check the weather. I
don't have animals right now, so that's a whole nother
world that I'm sure that I'll get it too eventually.
But you basically get up, plan your day, make sure
(13:21):
you have all your materials, and then just get at it.
There's a never ending list of things to do, whether
it's sticking new rows, planting seedlings, lugg and hay like
you see here behind me, setting up greenhouses. It really
is an all encompassing activity where you have to use
skills and carpentry, you know, electrical if you're growing things inside, fans, ventilation.
(13:45):
There's a lot of that kind of stuff going on.
In the greenhouse up behind me. You've got to have
a good plan. Planning is very important, but just getting
at it is even you know, that's the hard part
is when it's six am, you're laid and tired. You
want to say it a bit, or like right now it's
almost eight o'clock in the evening and it's raining. But
if I want to have things coming up from the
ground in a few weeks time, then I've got to
(14:08):
be at it.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Yeah, that's very true. And you know that's one of
the things that when you're doing a small farmer you
can do things the way you want and how does
things like sustainability or eco friendliness play a part and
the operations that you have.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
So I guess my concept, my theory, my approach you
at all is you can't take out of it more
than you put in. So that goes with soil and
vegetables too. You got to feed the soil and build
healthy soil. I joke that I almost like I like
growing soil as much as I like growing vegetables. You know,
you can't eat the soil with the plants. In a way,
(14:45):
eat the soil and you eat the plants. So you
take care of one and the other one takes care
of it. So yeah, it's all about creating systems within
the farm so they don't rely for external inputs so much.
Obviously you're not an island and you exists in context
for everything else around you. But if you can use
soil amendments that are local or naturally sourced that you
(15:06):
don't have to ship from the other side of the world,
then that's that's a wind for local agriculture and or.
Speaker 2 (15:12):
Local spot is it ever? And I guess that's the
whole point, is that in newfoundlanda Labrador where we do
have this RDF weather for a good chunk of the year,
and we do have this hot summer where things can,
like you said, grow quickly or bolt and not do
well in the sun. It's such extremes. What are you
focusing on right now? You mentioned a few of the
things you've got in the ground. Is it too early
(15:33):
for people to start planting some stuff or what should
people be looking at if they're even looking for their
own foods?
Speaker 3 (15:37):
So what's your risk tolerance? I would say, yeah, yeah,
you might be the first one with carrots color out
of the ground, where you also might have nothing form
rely for us. Yeah, so it's all about hedging your beds.
Season extension is a big part of that, using things
like greenhouse covers. I use a lot of hay, which
is what this is for. After my seeds are sawing,
(15:58):
I cast it out on the field and it's it
kind of keeps the frost up of everything and creates
a little insulated environment to get a head start and
to edge your bets against the frost.
Speaker 2 (16:08):
So that is an interesting thing at this time of year.
Though there's a saying that you don't plant until after
Father's Day, but that's still a month away for a
lot of you know what he really does? Okay, well
that's good to know. When you look at your farm,
you say, farms now multiple and I know that this
has been growing. What's the plan, like, what's the goal
(16:30):
for you here and what role do you play in
like the bigger picture?
Speaker 3 (16:34):
So the role here right now, and especially having the
two different properties is one is very small, but it's
got a lot of resources at it's a very good
community already build here, and it's close to the major
population center and it's very convenient to comebine and check on.
It takes me you know, ten minutes to drive here
from my house. The other property is much larger, in
(16:56):
the order of twenty eight years or so, which is,
you know, a little bit big, and so that's a
new property. So everything's in different stages. And of course
farming is not for someone who makes a media gratification
because it takes many, many years to play it out
and see your ideas come to fruition. So the short
term plan is to get things in the ground here
close to the market, and to build our brand and
(17:18):
get established and to build experience and make mistakes with
very short term plans in the next year or two
to move out to the larger property and then perhaps
after a few more years beyond that eat. So I'd
like to create a sustainable farming model that makes a
considerable difference to food security here at Newfoiland and Labrador.
(17:40):
That's really what my goal is. It's all about grown food.
I really think that just something. I think that you
can do a lot with a full belly, and not
enough people have them right now. There's a lot of
people finding things very expensive with the price of goods,
and I think we need to get back to the
basic slan learn how to feed each other again.
Speaker 2 (18:00):
So let's get philosophically for a second on that, because
that's something I'm really passionate about too. Food security, in
particular with foods that are healthy for us, are really
hard to come by. We happen to have some of
the lowest number of farms per square kilometer of any
province in the country. Do you think there's potential here
to really build up the farming.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
There is so much potential here. People don't even realize
once you get past the rocks, which are everywhere. Don't worry,
you'll be picking rocks for the rest.
Speaker 2 (18:28):
Of your life.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
But we have it. I'm no geologists, but I'm sure
others will agree. We have some very very good pockets soil.
We're known as the rock. So, yeah, there's bed rock everywhere,
but in amongst there and some very good soil surveys
that are available, but their pockets are really really good
top soil here, and that's that's one of the ones
that I'm working waste down.
Speaker 2 (18:49):
On the southern Shore's.
Speaker 3 (18:51):
I mean, in some spots there's feet and feet of
top soil and then next to it's bed rock. But
if you can find the good stuff, you may not
have rolling hills of acre and acres like in Saskatchewan
and prairies, but let me tell you, in the quality
of the soil and the mineral miles and the soil,
combined with our proximity to the bounty of the ocean
and the way of seaweed and fish products and buy products,
(19:14):
you don't need a lot of soil. You can build
your soil.
Speaker 2 (19:16):
There's so much potential here. Yeah, today we're learning about
growing our own vegetables. Here a new plant of Labrador.
We'll be right back after the break. Every Saturday is
perfect through a night at the Cabin. The Cabin Party
with Brian O'Connell Saturday nights starting at seven pm on VOCM.
(19:37):
Welcome back today, we're learning about growing our own vegetables.
Here a new Flanta Labrador. Let's get back to the episode.
I think that one of the ways that people get
behind an idea and geby aam movement that is to
get more local food production on the go is to
experience it themselves. And I I had messed around maybe
a little bit with like maybe plants in my gardens
(19:59):
in front of the house, but I never got into
the food side of things, and last year I did
and I really really really love it. Let's take this
opportunity for our listeners to pick your brain about what
you could help us with when it comes to some advice.
So what's your advice when it comes to people that
are contemplating starting a small little food garden at their
(20:20):
house or in their community.
Speaker 3 (20:23):
So I would say, don't try and do too much
at once, start small and find your meeting winds at first,
and don't be sad when you kill a few plants,
because it to grow a lot of healthy plants, you
need to kill even.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
More on healthy once.
Speaker 3 (20:41):
Unfortunately it's a cruel gay en firment, but it's definitely
important to try everything and fail fast. I would say,
start thinking about where your food comes from and what
you do with it after your doubles. And what I
(21:01):
mean by that is it's just as important to buy
from people who are growing food as it is to
grow food yourself. So maybe you know you're thinking about
putting in the garden or something, and that's that's great.
I'd encourage to do. But I'd also encourage you to
go down to your locals farmer market and and and
and participate in that system the people who are also
(21:22):
growing food themselves and commercial st So don't feel that
if you kill a bunch of plants and don't succeed
the first year, because it's taken me forever and I've
killed tens of thousands.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
Of plants, that's right. When I kill half my plants
this year, I'll just come get some produce from you,
and I know it'll be good at that point.
Speaker 3 (21:38):
But it always got back up. I always back on
back up because I always, you know, leave the heater
on or leave the door open, and something goes every year.
Speaker 2 (21:49):
What are some of the biggest mistakes people make when
they first start growing their own vegetables.
Speaker 3 (21:55):
Getting caught up in I'll call them gardening gimmicks. You know,
people's spend a lot of money on cheap plastic items
that will last year, and it doesn't really serve them well,
you know, plant stone mines, cardboard boxes and old logs
and old boards. You know, obviously you don't want to
(22:15):
use pressure treated or you want to keep your you know,
you wouldn't want to use anything you don't want to
eat from, but really trying to save costs where you
can by using things that are around palets are a
big one that very popular for building compost bins and
garden beds and that sort of thing. There's lots of
ways to sort of get started without breaking the bank, which,
of course, cost and the initial investment to get into
(22:38):
this thing is definitely a big barrier.
Speaker 2 (22:40):
Yeah, it is. It is. It's funny because I took
some trees that fell in my backyard and I took
them to a mill and got them planed into some
wood that I used to make mine try to be
a little bit sustainable, and that was really rewarding as well.
Now somebody is looking at major resources, or at least
like the necessities for even a hobby gardener. What are
the things that somebody should invest in. They don't invest
(23:01):
in the gimmicks, but what are a couple of things
that they should invest in if they're going to go
down this road.
Speaker 3 (23:05):
A good pair of globes will yeah, don't do like
I do. I uh yeah, A good pair of globes,
comfortable folk. Were things that are going to allow you
to operate when the weather is not good and you
want to be out in the guard. I always say,
there's no such things bad weather. It's just bad equipment right,
all heard that I couldn't agree with that more.
Speaker 2 (23:28):
Yes. And the other thing is that you just said
about the climate. Okay, so and you've also mentioned several
times about soil. How important is it for be able
to understand the soil they're working with, Like, for example,
if I get chrummy soil, what good intentions is that
going to help me?
Speaker 3 (23:43):
Well, you got to know what you're working with always.
I should have mentioned this earlier. One of the first
things you do with soil tests pre season. Everyone thinks
it starts in the spring. With the planning starts early
in the winter. I'm usually around Christmas time, a little
bit after you know, you order your seeds, you do
that sort of saying, and do your garden plan. A
couple of things on garden planning and some technologies that
(24:06):
are really available and useful. Google Maps is one. If
you don't have a drone I mean to say, I
was talking about the drones, is you can get a
bird's eye view of your property and things like Canada
like three drawing programs. As far as doing up your
field plans. You can just take your screenshots from Google
Maps and then you can draw over in Canada and
next thing, you have.
Speaker 2 (24:24):
A field plan.
Speaker 3 (24:25):
It's no big deal.
Speaker 2 (24:27):
That's cool. I love that and I think that's all
part of it, and that's part of the fun. Part
of it is creating something and thinking it and then
seeing it come to fruition. The health side of things,
the foods that you get out of the garden themselves.
What do they offer you as a farmer when you
take your harvest and you're able to eat that food
for the first time. Is it just the health benefits
because it's good fresh food? Are there other things that
(24:49):
come with it?
Speaker 3 (24:51):
It's definitely a sense of accomplishment when you plans only.
I grow almost all my vegetables from seap So it's
definitely a rewarding thing to grow it and to enjoy
it yourself. But as with many things, it's it's even
better to share with other people and to you know,
see a look on someone's face when they probably just
had the best tasting tomato that they've ever had, and
(25:12):
like it doesn't even taste like you know what I mean,
Like it's just you. You can't compare it. You just
have to experience it and knowing what you're eating come
straight from the ground, knowing what's been applied to it
or what's been growing in the soil before or Yeah,
it's just a really nice sense of accomplishment and it's
very enjoyable.
Speaker 2 (25:33):
Perfect perfect. Well, I guess the last thing I would
say is we're going into the going season people listening here,
obviously it's great to hear about operations like yours that
are starting to bring more and more food. What's your
last bit of advice to anybody listening that might be
going down that road this year when it comes to
a gardening and trying to grow their own vegetables.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
Well, the best time to get started was last year.
So besides that, gets started right now if you're thinking
about doing it. It's not going to be the one
big farm that comes in and creates food security for
us all. It's going to be a bunch of really
small farmers all working together. So get started because we
need more.
Speaker 2 (26:09):
If people want to follow your adventures, because it's a
great operation you've got and it's been growing exponentially every
single time I turn on social media, can you tell
folks how they can follow your farm?
Speaker 3 (26:20):
Yeah, so you can find us on Facebook and Instagram.
Our tags at Vinland Acres, so it should be pretty
easy to find. And it looks like the farm page
green and brown colors. It's pretty proud of it. And
like you said, you have to learn how to do
everything on farm, so out of my design work along
with some modern business tools. So I'll be tuned in
(26:42):
and check out our content. I'm often out here in
the field. I try and remember to do videos, but
we want to be doing more how tos and just
share knowledge and information because that's really what it's all about.
Speaker 2 (26:53):
And that's why I'm so glad you could join us today, Dave.
I know you're flat out. That's the busiest time of
year probably in a lot of ways for you. But
thanks for being so generous with your time and sharing
your message and your advice with everybody listening today.
Speaker 3 (27:05):
Oh thanks, Mike, anytime, and we'll have to check back again.
There's a lot more going at the O'Brian Farm Foundation
and Bendland Baker's, so we'll have to check out again
later in a year.
Speaker 2 (27:15):
If you're looking to start gardening, you grow your own
food in Newfoland for the first time, then timing and
preparation are key. Here are some essential tips you need
to know to get started. First, we got to know
our frost dates. The growing season in Newfoundland is short,
so it's crucially you know the last frost date of
the spring. Usually it's early June and our first frost
dates around mid September. This helps us when we start
(27:37):
our planning. Now you have to start indoors. Begin seeds
around six to eight weeks before that last frost date.
Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and herbs can get a head
start this way, and you can use seed trays and
place them at a sunny spot or use grow lights.
It's always good to choose hardy crops. Focus on cold,
hardy vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures like kale and spinach,
(28:00):
carrots and potatoes. These crops can handle the unpredictable neufland
labor or weather. Use raised beds. Raised beds warm up
faster in the spring and provide better drainage. You can
fill them with quality soil and composts to give the
plants to nutrients they need. You can extend the season
with covers. You can use row covers small greenhouses to
(28:20):
protect your plants from late spring to the early fall. Frost.
These can extend your growing season by several weeks, if
not longer. Always be sure to water wisely water your
garden in the early morning and late evening to reduce
evaporation and ensure your plants get about one to one
and a half inches of water per week. And one
of the most important things that I can attest to
(28:41):
is to join local gardening groups. This way you can
engage with local gardening communities for advice and support, and
no matter what, you can always go to the farmer's
market to make sure you get fresh produce even if
yours doesn't work out. Remember, starting small, staying patient, and
learning as you go will make your gardening experience in
Newlynn rewarding and successful. We'll be right back after the break.
Speaker 1 (29:06):
Nutrition, exercise, keeping the cold at bay, whatever keeps you
feeling great The Wellness and Healthy Lifestyle show on your VOCM.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Welcome back today. We're learning about growing our own vegetables
here in New Flann and Labrador. Let's get back to
the episode. Hi kid, welcome to the show.
Speaker 4 (29:25):
Thank you, thanks for having me.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
I'm glad you could join us today. This is interesting topic.
This is the topic that I'm learning about more and
more all the time, and that is being able to
grow some sustainable food and be able to grow my
own vegetables. And who better to talk to you about
how to extend that growing season than you guys. Can
you tell our audience a little bit about yourself and
about your company? Sure.
Speaker 4 (29:47):
I'm Kim Wilson. I'm co owner with my husband, Scott
Wilson of some Valley greenhouses.
Speaker 3 (29:52):
I guess we.
Speaker 4 (29:53):
Started this business twenty sixteen seventeen. Seems like people are
really trying to get back into growing their own, especially
here in Newfouland where the growing season is a little
bit shorter and harder to get things. So the business
kind of kind of took off and here we are.
Speaker 2 (30:09):
Yeah, that's right, you guys. Not only you started here
at New Flanta Laborator, where you guys are expanding your
reach across the country. Correct, Yeah, we have.
Speaker 4 (30:17):
We were right across Atlantic Canada and fairly recently just
into Ontario.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
That's fantastic. Well, we left because I was getting into
gardening myself and I wanted the advantage of having a greenhouse,
so I contacted you guys, and you've been a great
resource for me along long so I thought, hey, why
not share that information with everybody today? So I guess
we're going to ask the simplest question is we have
the short of growing season here. What's the advantage of
having a greenhouse in new plant laborator?
Speaker 4 (30:47):
I guess, I guess just in general, it's a safe
haven for plants. Like you said, it does extend.
Speaker 2 (30:54):
Our growing season.
Speaker 4 (30:55):
As you can tell, like we don't get much of
the spring, so it gives people the opportunity to kind
of get things started a little bit earlier. And I find,
I guess personally, in our own greenhouse sometimes we can
go right into November, depending on frost and things like that.
The greenhouse itself reduces the accessibility for insects and animals
(31:16):
to get in there and destroy your plants. And of
course our greenhouses are made out of cedar, which has
a natural bug repellent in it, and it certainly extends
our growing season here in Newfoundland. We do get lots
of customers, especially where our spring is not so great.
They're kind of using it as a little bit of
a greenhouse, sort of sun room. We using them for
(31:39):
all kinds of things, so a little bit of a
kind of a dual purpose. I guess you could say too.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
Yeah, well that's right. And I guess the question would
be like, why does the greenhouse make it so much
more effective here? Why can't we just have this longer
season as long as the sun is shining. Is it
do with the heat, is it to do with the watering,
is to do with the what is it the protection
from the frost? I think, yeah, a little bit of
all that.
Speaker 4 (32:03):
It's protection from the frost. And we actually use product
Donners which is called tough Tech polycarbonate, and this gives
a really good distribution of light into the greenhouse and
it also blocks the ub rays where the polycarbon is corrugated.
Like I said, the cedar is a natural bug repellent.
Our greenhouse is in the summer when it does get
(32:25):
a little bit hotter out there. Of course they're not
completely air tight, so which is which is great for ventilation.
They have windows in the back that open. You can
get a dutch door that you know, you can get
the top half to open if you don't want rabbits
little creditors getting in there. Our bigger models can have
extra windows on the side. We have a bigger model,
so we actually installed automatic window openers, so those you
(32:49):
know open and clothes according to how hot it gets
in there, and it just just kind of extends that
growing season for everybody, and especially with the part you know,
the prices of you know, fruits and vegetables today, just
having being able to grow your own, yeah, is a
(33:10):
great thing and.
Speaker 2 (33:11):
For your friends and family too, which is interesting. So
I guess that's what I want to pick your brain on. Like,
not everybody might have a full, big greenhouse, but they
do have the opportunity to be able to protect things
and get the growing season going earlier. What are the
things that if you were going to pick some specific
crops that go really well in shelters that allow more
like to get in and a little bit more heat
(33:32):
to be retained. What are the ones that thrive really
well here at New Flant with a greenhouse.
Speaker 4 (33:37):
Yeah, from our guess, from just our own personal experience,
and of course we're not experts in this field. I
guess more of our field is actually building the greenhouses.
But we've experimented with a lot of different things ourselves
over the years. We personally find like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini.
We've tried broccoli and cauliflour onions, garlic. We actually have
(33:59):
this is our second greenhouse after moving houses, and we
had a great We've got a great fund in this
one and we did in the last one, and that
actually grows really really well in hours. We've installed rain
gutters going down right down the side, like up above
the beds, and we've got strawberries in there too, and yeah,
just to kind of save a little bit of space
(34:21):
up above and you know, have a little bit of
extra growing room. So that's actually worked really well too.
Speaker 2 (34:27):
That's a great idea. Yeah, And I guess the other
question would be that we're all getting eager. If you're
a gardener, you kind of get excited this time of year.
You want to get the crops into the ground, you
want to get that growing season started. We can be
a little bit hesitant. When can people start to put
their plants in the greenhouse? In your experience, so these
people you work.
Speaker 5 (34:42):
With, most of our customers normally, so some have started
in merch, some have some sort of a heating system
put in theirs.
Speaker 4 (34:52):
Not everybody, but for sure into April May, we're always
a little bit behind ourselves. I don't have anything in
there myself, just we get so busy with instyles this
time of the year. But I'd say it round April
most people. Some people start inside and then April May
they start moving things things outside. And I even find
(35:14):
when I pick up hanging baskets and different things like
that just for my own property by hangos in there
at night. Also you know, if we know we're getting
frost and they're certainly protected from that also, So I
use it for.
Speaker 3 (35:29):
A little bit of everything.
Speaker 2 (35:31):
So what's your advice to people when it comes to gardening?
That was like picking people's brains. You see lots of
people that are like me that have just begun and
you've got other people that are probably a lot more
serious about it. What's your advice to people when it
comes to taking up the gablet of trying to grow
their own food.
Speaker 4 (35:47):
I think trying different things, Like we've tried lots of
different things over the years, and some things work a
little bit better here in Newfoundland, and just experimenting with
different things and you kind of know on what works
a little bit better and and what doesn't. But like
I said, we've we've had really good experience with tomatoes
(36:09):
and peppers, especially the zucchini in cucumbers. A number of
years I had them growing in the greenhouse well into
November some years even in the December, depending on the
outdoor temperatures. And we've had some really good experience with it,
and in retirement from a real job, I hope to
get into it a little bit more.
Speaker 2 (36:31):
That's right, we could share a secrets. The nice thing
is you get a chance to be part of everybody
else's success. And that's the thing is, somebody is looking
to get a greenhouse, how do they get a old
of you guys.
Speaker 4 (36:41):
We have a website which is some Valley Greenhouse dot Ca.
We also have a Facebook page, Instagram page, and all
of our other locations have Facebook pages and Instagram pages.
But all the information contact information is there on our
website to get a hold of us. And this time
(37:02):
of year we're pretty much open all the time.
Speaker 2 (37:05):
Yeah, well, I'm sure you are. Well, that's great. Well,
I'll be sure to send along my progress picks as
our garden comes along this summer.
Speaker 4 (37:12):
And well that we actually have a we'll probably be
doing that coming up soon. We usually have a contest,
bring contests and a fall contest and people submit pictures
just so we can see what the different things that
people are growing and kind of gives other customers an
idea of what works.
Speaker 3 (37:30):
Well.
Speaker 2 (37:31):
That's great, and that's what this is all about, is
both sharing information. So I really appreciate you sharing your
knowledge with us today and good luck with your garden
this summer. And I'm sure my greenhouse is going to
work out great. So thanks so much for joining me perfect.
Speaker 3 (37:43):
Thank you.
Speaker 4 (37:43):
We look forward to seeing your pictures.
Speaker 2 (37:47):
I wanted to thank David and Kim for joining us today.
It's been a really great conversation about how sustainable farming
and greenhouse gardening and newflanda laborador is really taking off.
We've gained valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of
starting a farm, the importance of using technology and agriculture,
and how greenhouses can extend our growing season. David shared
(38:07):
his journey from marketing professional to a full time farmer
and the practical steps he took to get started with
his new farm. Kim provided expert advice on the benefits
of greenhouses and the best crops to grow for our climate. Now,
for those interested in learning more about sustainable farming. You
could follow Dave Porter at vinln Acres Forest Farm through
their Facebook and Instagram page, and if you're looking to
(38:29):
extend your growing season with a greenhouse, and Kim Wilson
at Sun Valley Greenhouses could point you in the right direction.
They're also available on all social channels. Thanks for tuning in,
I'm your host, doctor Mike Wall. We'll see you back
here next week for another episode of The Wall Show
on your VOCM
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